FIREFIGHTERS said it was a ‘privilege’ helping a country recover from a devastating earthquake.

Ten people from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service flew out to Nepal to help rescue people.

Lee Giffard, who was deployed as part of Hampshire’s urban search and rescue team, said: ‘When we arrived it was a scene of devastation. There were lots of people who were injured and so many who had lost their homes.

‘Our first priority was to search for and rescue anyone we could – you live in hope that you might find someone. We met local people who were very welcoming, and took comfort in us being there. They were extremely humble and seemed to be resilient.’

The team included Phil Clack, who lives in Fareham. Colleague Tim Marsh added: ‘It’s such a privilege.’